When Do Schools Close for Cold Weather? Temperature Thresholds by State

Why Extreme Cold Closes Schools

Cold weather school closures focus on one primary concern: student safety during outdoor exposure. This includes:

• Students waiting at bus stops
• Walking to and from school
• Emergency evacuation scenarios
• Outdoor recess and physical education
• Vehicle breakdowns during transport

When temperatures or wind chills drop low enough, exposed skin can suffer frostbite in as little as 10-15 minutes. For children, who may not dress appropriately or recognize early frostbite symptoms, this risk is even greater.

Understanding Wind Chill

Wind chill, not the actual temperature, is typically the deciding factor in cold weather closures. Wind chill represents how cold it "feels" on exposed skin when you factor in wind speed.

How Wind Chill Is Calculated

The National Weather Service uses a formula that combines temperature and wind speed. For example:

• 5°F with 20 mph wind = -15°F wind chill
• -5°F with 15 mph wind = -24°F wind chill
• -10°F with 25 mph wind = -35°F wind chill

"Wind chill is what matters for student safety. A 20°F morning might seem manageable, but add 25 mph wind and students waiting for buses face dangerous conditions."

Common Wind Chill Thresholds for School Closures

Wind Chill Policies by Region

Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota)

Districts in the coldest states have the highest thresholds:

• Closure threshold: Often -35°F to -40°F wind chill
• Delay consideration: Around -25°F wind chill
• Students and families are generally prepared for extreme cold
• School buildings and buses designed for harsh conditions

Northern States (Michigan, New York, Massachusetts)

Moderate cold weather thresholds:

• Closure threshold: Typically -20°F to -30°F wind chill
• Delay consideration: Around -15°F to -20°F wind chill
• Varies more by district based on local geography

Mid-Atlantic and Midwest (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana)

Lower cold tolerance in policies:

• Closure threshold: Often -15°F to -20°F wind chill
• Delay consideration: Around -10°F to -15°F wind chill
• Extreme cold less common, so lower preparation levels

Southern States

When temperatures approach freezing, southern schools often close:

• Many students lack appropriate cold weather clothing
• Buildings may lack adequate heating systems
• Pipes and plumbing vulnerable to freezing
• Bus fleet not designed for cold weather operation

Factors Beyond Wind Chill

Timing of Cold Temperatures

When the coldest temperatures occur matters:

• Pre-dawn cold: Affects bus pickup times, may warrant delay
• Mid-morning warming: May allow delayed start
• Afternoon cold: Less common closure trigger

Duration of Extreme Cold

Extended cold snaps create additional concerns:

• Bus fuel gelling and mechanical issues
• Building heating system strain
• Cumulative exposure effects on children

Heating System Capacity

Older schools may struggle to maintain safe indoor temperatures when outdoor conditions are extreme. If a school cannot maintain at least 65°F indoors, closure may be necessary regardless of outdoor conditions.

Preparing Children for Cold Weather

Essential Cold Weather Gear

• Insulated, waterproof boots: Not sneakers or fashion boots
• Multiple layers: Base layer, insulating layer, outer shell
• Hat that covers ears: 40% of body heat lost through head
• Insulated gloves or mittens: Mittens are warmer
• Scarf or neck gaiter: Covers face if needed

Teaching Cold Safety

Help children understand:

• The importance of keeping all skin covered
• Signs of frostbite: numbness, white or grayish skin
• When to seek indoor shelter
• Not to touch metal with bare hands

What If Your Child's School Stays Open?

Even if school remains open during cold weather, you have options:

• Drive instead of bus: Reduce outdoor exposure time
• Pick up at bus stop: Meet the bus rather than waiting
• Request indoor waiting: Ask if students can wait inside for buses
• Keep children home: Your judgment as a parent matters

Signs of Cold-Related Emergency

Frostbite Warning Signs

• Skin appears white, grayish-yellow, or waxy
• Skin feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness in fingers, toes, nose, or ears
• Tingling that progresses to numbness

Hypothermia Warning Signs

• Shivering that suddenly stops
• Confusion or difficulty speaking
• Drowsiness or exhaustion
• Loss of coordination

If you observe any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately and begin gentle warming.

Predicting Cold Weather Closures

Cold weather closures are often more predictable than snow closures because:

• Temperature forecasts are highly accurate
• Cold air masses are tracked well in advance
• Wind chill calculations are straightforward
• Thresholds are more consistent than snow responses

Modern prediction systems can forecast extreme cold events 3-7 days in advance, giving families time to prepare.